The Safeguarding of Living Person of Heritage from the Perspectives of National Heritage Act 2005 (Act 645)

Abstract

The objective of this research is to identify the relevancy of National Heritage Act 645 (Act 645) in the efforts of protecting the living person of heritage and disseminating the knowledge and skills of intangible cultural heritage in Malaysia. This recognized living persons also are listed under the NHA 2005, called Living Person Heritage Program (LPHP). The living persons or cultural practitioners who were once actively engaged in traditional performing arts were decreasing due to lack of successors or apprentice after they have passed away or unable to continue the performance. This situation is disturbing because it gives a great loss to the country because of the talent, skills, ability and knowledge possessed by this living person will disappear without having an opportunity to pass it down to younger people. This descriptive research applied a case study method which gives more in-depth information on the subject by an individual or small group of individuals. Expert Interviews and Document Review were the main tools applied in collecting data. The findings indicated that although NHA 2005 do provides a proper protection to these living persons. This is essential because the living persons or cultural practitioners will remain protected as a heritage and tourism product that indirectly will generate income for the country. This study can contribute to the formulation of national policies regarding safeguarding heritage.